Public Libraries

Public library programs

Victoria’s local government public library programs include the Living Libraries Infrastructure Program, the Premiers' Reading Challenge Book Fund, and recurrent funding to support public library services.

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Living Libraries Infrastructure Program

The Living Libraries Infrastructure Program assists Victorian councils and regional library corporations to provide accessible high-quality library infrastructure and public libraries to everyone in the community.

The program funds new, redeveloped or refurbished public library infrastructure; and new or updated mobile libraries.

Premiers' Reading Challenge Book Fund

The Premiers’ Reading Challenge Book Fund provides an annual allocation to councils, regional library corporations and Vision Australia to buy materials to support the annual Premiers’ Reading Challenge.

A $4.4 million investment in the program over four years was announced as part of the 2016-17 State Budget.

More than 66,000 resources from the Premiers' Reading Challenge book list were purchased with funding from the 2016-17 Premiers' Reading Challenge Book Fund.

Annual Survey of Victorian Public Libraries

Each year, Victorian public libraries are surveyed about their services. The survey includes information about service points, staffing, loans, circulation, collection size, information technology and financial data.

Governance

Regional Library Corporations operate under the provisions of the Local Government Act 1989. Under the Act, libraries must operate and report using a structure similar to that of municipal councils. Each corporation has an agreement between its members which has been approved by the Minister for Local Government.

Victorian Mechanics' Institutes

The operation of Mechanics' Institutes in Victoria, particularly in relation to the sale or transfer of land, comes under Section 4 of the Libraries Act 1988, which is the responsibility of the Minister for Local Government.

We acknowledge and respect Victorian Traditional Owners as the original custodians of Victoria’s land and waters,
their unique ability to care for Country and deep spiritual connection to it. We honour Elders past and present whose
knowledge and wisdom has ensured the continuation of culture and traditional practices.

We are committed to genuinely partner, and meaningfully engage, with Victoria's Traditional Owners and Aboriginal communities to support the protection of Country, the maintenance of spiritual and cultural practices and their broader aspirations in the 21st century and beyond.